City of Alexandria Celebrates Energy Awareness Month

Page updated on February 9, 2024 at 1:01 PM
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City of Alexandria Celebrates Energy Awareness Month 

For Immediate Release: October 4, 2022

Join the City of Alexandria in celebrating Energy Efficiency Day on October 5, and Energy Awareness Month throughout the month of October. Energy Awareness Month highlights opportunities for residents and businesses in the Alexandria community to sustainably use energy resources and reduce climate change causing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) at home, at work and when making mobility choices. In addition, learn more about the City’s programs and initiatives to improve energy efficiency and reduce GHG emissions from its own buildings, vehicles and operations.

During Energy Awareness Month, residents and businesses are encouraged to visit the City’s Climate Change & Energy website to learn more about resources available to help save money and improve the energy efficiency of your home or business, including:

  • low or no-cost home energy assessments to identify the biggest opportunities for energy efficiency improvements;
  • tips and tricks to reduce “vampire” electricity, which refers to the way electric power is consumed by electronic and electrical appliances while switched off or in standby mode;
  • ways to improve the comfort and energy performance of your home, including weatherizing your home to reduce cold-air drafts;
  • utility rebates and incentives for energy-efficient appliances, heating and cooling systems, and hot water heaters; and,
  • what to consider when electrifying your home or business’s heating and cooling or hot water heaters.

Energy Awareness Month is also an opportunity to learn how to prepare your home or business for the potential to install a solar energy system. Visit the City’s Renewable Energy website for additional information on Solarize Alexandria, an initiative led by nonprofit Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) that is a one-stop shop for education and installation, reducing the cost and complexity of installing solar. The next program offering will be in Spring 2023.

Being energy efficient also extends to mobility choices. Consider how walking, cycling or taking public transportation, such as DASH, MetroBus, or MetroRail can save money, reduce energy consumption and positively impact our environment. This month, while Metro projects have impacted service in Alexandria, you can access free Capital Bikeshare and VRE access. If you own or are considering purchasing an electric vehicle, learn more about the City’s strategies to support expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Alexandria and throughout the region.

The City recognizes there is a global climate emergency and that all levels of government and the public have a role to play in addressing climate change. The City’s process to update the Energy and Climate Change Action Plan (ECCAP) supports Alexandria’s response to climate change’s effects and environmental emergencies. The ECCAP also aligns with the City’s Environmental Action Plan 2040 for ongoing energy and GHG emissions reductions and climate change actions.  

Visit alexandriava.gov/Energy for more information.

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This news release is available at alexandriava.gov/go/4037.